Expert says OSCE MG shift talk result of Azeri policy

PanARMENIAN.Net - The issue of replacement of the French mandate with that of the European Union in OSCE Minsk Group is the product of Azerbaijan’s active policy, Armenian political analyst said.

Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan deemed such a shift hardly probable due to OSCE MG’s being a well-established format in which current co-chairs are quite pleased with the group’s composition.

The expert stressed setting a precedent for the format shift as Azerbaijan’s primary goal, as it constantly voices its discontent with the group’s activity.

“Azerbaijan aims to demonstrate its strength, its role and activity. It strives to intensify its presence in the South Caucasus region. And finally, it serves a tool for Azerbaijan to settle own problems. Calling attention to external issues, the authorities pursue a totalitarian policy, strengthening the system and destroying the opposition,”

On March 23, European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted a document on Armenia, proposing to replace France’s mandate in OSCE Minsk Group on Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement with that of the European Union. The document is to be put to vote at European Parliament’s plenary session supposedly in a month.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.